As I pulled up to Sun Life Stadium, I couldn’t help but think that there’s only three home games left in the season. I just can’t wrap my head around it. Hard to believe the cheerleaders and I have been at this since May 1st. Time flies when you’re having fun, right?

Everything feels like a routine by now. We arrive at the stadium before call time, attend our assigned appearances around the stadium, and rehearse our game day performances, all before it’s time to take the field for pre-game. The seconds we have waiting in the tunnel begin to feel like eternity as my nerves run wild, just as they did my very first game. That is one thing that will never feel like the normal routine: being out on the field.

Words can’t describe the feeling I get when I look into the stands and see the thousands upon thousands of roaring fans. Still feels almost surreal that I’m here. The Season 1 winner of X-Factor, Melanie Amaro, sang our National Anthem. Chills ran over my entire body. That girl can seriously sing! It was then just moments until kick-off and I could practically hear the adrenaline running through everyone’s veins.

This was a huge game! With playoffs right around the corner, we needed a win, and I could feel it coming. The first half of the game was awesome! A blocked field goal, an interception, I couldn’t tell you how hard it is to keep your composure on the sidelines during a game like this.

At halftime, the cheerleaders and I had the opportunity to perform with the AcroAmericas. They are an acrobatic exhibition team made of high school students that perform for audiences around the world, and we were lucky enough to share the field with them! Their routine consisted of intricate stunts, flips, pyramids and more. You will never see us climbing on top of one another’s shoulders with those boots, so it was definitely a half time to see!

As the last half of the game slowly came to an end, with just seconds left we were down by 4. We all held our breaths and our eyes stayed peeled on the field hoping for a touchdown. Unfortunately, the Carolina Panthers were able to take the win by the skin of their teeth! It would’ve been a great game to win, but win or lose, being a cheerleader for the Miami Dolphins will always be a win in my book.